..::Football III::..

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Higuain can become the best in the world - Sarri

Maurizio Sarri is encouraging Gonzalo Higuain to make the most of his potential and become the best striker in the world at Napoli.

The Argentine scored his seventh goal in nine Serie A appearances in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Chievo, sending his side second in the table.

And Higuain's coach says he is always pushing the former Real Madrid man to improve upon his last performance in order to become one of the best in the game.

"I was honest with him and told him as soon as I had him in pre-season that, for me, he could be the best striker in the world if he can exploit his full potential," Sarri said.

"He's a good guy and a smart player and is working fine. Our relationship is direct and honest and I'm glad he's doing well, although I always have the belief that he can still improve and get that 10 per cent more out of his great talent.

"But the willingness Gonzalo has shown me is the same that the whole squad is demonstrating and I thank them for their application so far."
Despite sitting just two points behind league leaders Roma, the former Empoli coach was reluctant to discuss Napoli's title chances.

"For me, yes [it's blasphemy to talk about winning the title]. About the Scudetto go and talk to Roma, who finished second last year and are now first.

"We are coming from fifth place last season and we struggled in the first few matches."

 

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Neymar salutes hat-trick hero Suarez... but not for his dress sense!

The cameraderie between the Barcelona striking trident is already evident, despite the fact that the most recent arrival Luis Suarez has only been at Camp Nou for 12 months.

For that reason, it was no surprise to see both Neymar and Lionel Messi publicly congratulate the Uruguayan as he marked the first anniversary of his debut with a marvellous hat-trick to see off the challenge of Eibar and keep the Blaugrana on Real Madrid's tail.

If the Brazilian was impressed with his team-mate's potency in front of goal, however, he was less enamoured with the dress-down style he chose alongside his two snappier companions.

"Great game from the team, congratulations Luis Suarez for the goals, but not for the clothes!" the cheeky former Santos striker said on Instagram, as he posed alongside Messi and the hero against Eibar.

His sartorial criticism was well-placed. While Messi and Neymar appeared looking sharp in a suit and jacket/jeans combo respectively, their companion had clearly put more work into winning the match ball than his outfit.

We can only hope that the next time Suarez swoops for a hat-trick, he has the foresight to dress for the occasion and avoid the razor-sharp fashion eye of his strike partner.

 

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Wenger: Arsenal have a hard-working mentality

Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal have a tougher mentality this season and challenged his side to maintain that mindset for the remainder of the campaign.

After suffering defeat in their opening two Champions League fixtures, Arsenal beat Bayern Munich 2-0 to kick-start their European push last week and now sit level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City - held at local rivals Manchester United - following a 2-1 win over Everton on Saturday.

Wenger praised his team's combative spirit, in particular the improvements of Santi Cazorla and Mesut Ozil, but stressed they must be consistent if they are to remain near the summit come May.

"They are all on board and they have the belief. Cazorla won many balls and blocked many tackles [against Everton], even Ozil," said Wenger.

"Once you have that in the team, it is not easy to get it, but it shows the belief is there and then you need enough humility to keep it in there.

"You need to convince the players that you have to work hard to win football games in the Premier League and that you need all 11 to do that.

"It's too early [to say if we are title contenders], the only thing I can say since January 1, 2015, we have shown consistency and this week we have shown consistency.

"That has been questioned many times by people."

Olivier Giroud echoed his coach's sentiments, stating that all his team-mates are willing to fight for one another.

"I think we are stronger mentally this year," Giroud said. "We are all fighting for each other. We have a great togetherness and we want to achieve big things all together.

"If someone is a bit tired then someone else will battle and fight for each other.

"That's the mentality we need to show through the season. If we carry on like that then we will be difficult to beat."

 

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Ranieri: Pizza is good for the muscles

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has been highlighting the health benefits of pizza after delivering on his promise to treat his players to the Italian dish.

Ranieri had vowed to get the pizzas in as soon as Leicester registered their first clean sheet of the season - a feat they managed in a 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The result ended a run of 11 consecutive matches in which the Foxes had conceded this season and Ranieri was happy to make good on his pledge.

"Champagne and pizza is good, not fantastic, but it’s OK," Ranieri is quoted as saying by The Telegraph.

"We have a training session and I ask them when they want to eat pizza. It's carbohydrate, good for the muscles. I'm very happy, very glad.

"We showed our character, our fitness, everything."

The only goal of Saturday's game was scored by Jamie Vardy, on target for the seventh consecutive Premier League fixture, but Ranieri does not believe such a run will cause the England international to
"I think he's a nice boy. I tell him, every time you play for the team, continue to fight, continue to press, continue to run," he added.

"The goals you can score or not score, the performance must be good.

"Jamie is a free spirit; it is difficult to put something in his mind."

 

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Smalling: Manchester City were hanging on

Manchester United defender Chris Smalling says Manchester City were "hanging on" for the final 20 minutes of Sunday's derby.

The England international played the full 90 minutes as the clash between the two Manchester clubs finished 0-0 for the first time since November 2010.

Smalling admitted the match could have been more exciting, but believes United had the better of the chances.

"I think it’s one where it could have been a little bit more [exciting]. Both teams were very compact and well organised, and there weren’t too many chances,” he told MUTV.

"I think we probably edged it overall with the chances we had in the second half.

"Towards the end, you could tell that, for the last 20-30 minutes, they were hanging on and bringing on defenders, so it was on us to really push forward and we did.
"On another day, the chances we had might have gone in."

The draw at Old Trafford was the first time since that game in 2010 that United have kept a clean sheet against City.

"I think if we came into today's fixture and, if someone told us we would get a clean sheet, we would have taken your hand off," the 25-year-old said.

"They’re a very fast, attacking team and I think they were set up for the counter-attack, especially with Raheem [Sterling] and [Kevin] De Bruyne who are very quick, so we had to be on our toes."

The result saw City moved back into first place in the Premier League table, level on points with Arsenal, while United remain just two points off top spot in fourth.

 

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Giroud: Walcott deserved to start

Olivier Giroud says Theo Walcott. has deserved his place in Arsenal's starting XI, even though it has come at his own expense.

Giroud made his first Premier League start since August against Everton after scoring in the victories over Watford and Bayern Munich.

"The main thing was that he was on good form and he brought something different compared to me. We have different profiles and when he is a bit tired, I try to take the baton.

"I'm pleased to score but the boss can play with my profile or Theo's profile. It has been a few weeks of not starting and I was pleased to start.

"I feel better when I play. I missed not playing a bit more this week."After moving level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester Ciy, Giroud also feels Arsene Wenger’s side have a mental toughness which was perhaps lacking in other seasons.

"I think we are stronger mentally this year," he added.

"We are all fighting for each other. We have a great togetherness and we want to achieve big things all together.

"We are showing a lot of leadership, we have team meetings and we all want to contribute and bring qualities to the big matches.

"We are all looking in the same direction and we know we need to be 100 per cent in every game. If someone is a bit tired then someone else will battle and fight for each other.

"That’s the mentality we need to show through the season.

"If we carry on like that then we will be difficult to beat, especially with our efficiency."

 

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Sebastian Giovinco wins MLS Golden Boot

Toronto FC star Sebastian Giovinco has won Major League Soccer's Golden Boot award in what was a historic debut season for the forward.

The Italian netted 22 times in his first season with TFC, good enough to finish the year tied on goals scored with Columbus Crew forward Kei Kamara, with the former Juventus star earning the top honors on a tiebreaker for having more assists.

Giovinco also led the league in that category, racking up 16 assists and setting a league record for combined goals and assists (38) while also leading TFC to its first playoff berth.

The LA Galaxy's Robbie Keane (20), New York City FC's David Villa (18) and Orlando City rookie Cyle Larin (17) round out the top five scorers in the league this season.

 

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Neymar is better than Messi and Ronaldo - Roberto Carlos

Roberto Carlos has singled out Brazil captain Neymar as the best player in the world, placing him above both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Argentine No. 10 and Real Madrid's frontman have dominated the discussion over who is the greatest in recent years, enjoying a monopoly on the Ballon d'Or.

But Roberto Carlos insisted that it was time to add a new name to the argument.

"When I am asked about Messi and Cristiano I say that Neymar is the best for me," he told Globoesporte.

"It is not just for his goals, but for the ease with which he plays and the confidence he has.

"Neymar is going to have a Ballon d'Or in one or two years because he is going to deserve it."

Continuing on the same theme, the 2002 World Cup winner and former Madrid star pointed out that Ronaldo plays a more crucial role within his team.

"Messi is phenomental but in my opinion, Cristiano is a special player because he does everything for Madrid," he affirmed.

"It is not that Madrid do not have others - Kroos, Marcelo - but I think Cristiano is more decisive in Real Madrid than Messi in Barcelona.

"Messi plays with Neymar, Suarez, Iniesta, Busquets, while Cristiano starts to fight, assist and score from the front. He is a special player."

 

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Rooney: Memphis & Martial can emulate Ronaldo & me

Wayne Rooney believes Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial have the potential to replicate the Manchester United captain's trophy-laden partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford before he moved to Real Madrid for £80 million in 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy after forming a strong bond with Rooney at United.

Depay has struggled to impress so far at Old Trafford since a summer move from PSV Eindhoven, but Rooney feels that the Netherlands international and Martial - who has starred since his switch from Monaco - have the potential to replicate the partnership he once shared with Portugal star Ronaldo.

“It is hard to say, obviously, but they are certainly two very good players who have lots of talent and ability,” Rooney told MUTV. “If they keep learning and progressing like they are, then hopefully they will do what me and Ronaldo did back then. It would be great for the team if they can do that.

“The good thing is that they want to learn and that is good to see in young players. They haven’t come in and just done things the way they want to do them.

“They are doing things for the team and listening to what the manager is saying to them. I am sure under this manager they will learn a lot and that will help them become top, top players in the world.”

Rooney had more kind words for France international Martial, who won September’s Premier League Player of the Month award after scoring three goals in three games despite the pressure of a huge transfer fee.

“I think he has been incredible, how he has come over to Manchester and started the way he has,” Rooney continued. “Let’s not forget he is still a very young lad as well. To come over with his young family and start the way he has, he deserves a lot of credit.

“You can see what a good player he is and he’ll be an important player for us from now until the end of the season. He is probably the quickest player in our team, if not the quickest in the league.”

Rooney also backed Chris Smalling as one of the top three centre-backs in the world on the back of a dramatic turnaround in his fortunes at Old Trafford.
Smalling’s United future appeared to be in doubt last November after manager Louis van Gaal banded the centre-back “stupid” for getting sent off in a derby defeat to Manchester City.

But since then the England international has become one of United’s most impressive players, putting in another strong performance in Sunday’s latest clash between the two rivals, a 0-0 stalemate.

“I have been [impressed],” Rooney said. “He has been incredible and for me he is right up there in world football in terms of centre-halves.

“He is in the top three centre-halves in the world - I think he is that good. He is a great player and he is developing to become more of a leader of the back four. It is great to see for both United and England, and hopefully that can continue for him and he can help us to be successful.”

 

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Mourinho's job is SAFE at Chelsea... but maybe only for a fortnight

Chelsea have planned to review Jose Mourinho's position during the international break in two weeks' time as the Portuguese fights to keep his job.

Mourinho is under increasing pressure after Saturday's 2-1 defeat to West Ham left the Premier League champions 15th in the table having lost five of their 10 league fixtures this season.

The former Real Madrid boss received a public vote of confidence last month, when Blues owner Roman Abramovich decided to give his manager until the two-week break in November to turn around the team's fortunes.

Some reports have suggested that Mourinho could be sacked if Chelsea lose to Liverpool on Saturday but while patience is wearing thin at Stamford Bridge, the 52-year-old is unlikely to leave the club before the Premier League fixture away at Stoke on November 7.

After that game, Abramovich and the board are expected to reassess their options with the club's chances of reaching the top four a prominent factor in their decision. The Blues are already nine points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

Preferred replacements such as Pep Guardiola and Diego Simeone will not be available until next summer so Chelsea would have to appoint an interim manager until the end of the season.
The Blues have four matches in the next two weeks in three different competitions and Mourinho is under intense pressure despite only signing a new four-year contract in August as a reward for last season's title triumph.

Mourinho was sent to the stands during the defeat to West Ham and Chelsea chiefs have been stunned by the way the 52-year-old has appeared to unravel on and off the pitch.

He controversially axed club doctor Eva Carneiro and has further damaged the club's image with constant rants against the referees, which have been received badly in the boardroom at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho was given his public vote of confidence after the home defeat to Southampton on October 3 but has only guided the team to one win in the three subsequent games - and that was against relegation battlers Aston Villa.

The Blues face Stoke in the League Cup on Tuesday before a crucial home league fixture against Liverpool on Saturday. They take on Dynamo Kyiv in the Champions League next week before the weekend trip to Stoke, which could be Mourinho's final game in charge.

 

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Chelsea would be crazy to sack Mourinho - Hughes

Stoke City boss Mark Hughes believes Chelsea would be crazy to sack Jose Mourinho despite the Blues' poor start to the season.

The Premier League champions sit 15th in the table after suffering defeats in five of their 10 matches so far this campaign, with reports suggesting another loss to Liverpool on Sunday could lead to the sacking of the former Real Madrid boss.

Goal understands that is not the case, though the Stamford Bridge hierarchy will discuss Mourinho's future during the November international break in around two weeks' time.

And speaking ahead of his side's League Cup clash with the Blues, Hughes feels the west London outfit would be mad to move on their most successful manager at such an early stage of the season.

"He says it himself, he’s a top manager and he’s the best manager Chelsea have ever had so why would they change?” he told reporters.

“It’s a period he’s faced at other times in his career but one he has the knowledge and understanding of how to address that and to turn that round. I don’t think anyone thinks that he won’t.

“Jose is one of the characters of Premier League and world football. People want to hear what he says and rightly so because of the success he’s had.”

Hughes also hinted at a return to the Potters starting XI for captain Ryan Shawcross at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday.

Shawcross has yet to feature for Stoke this season after undergoing surgery on the troublesome back injury that hampered him during the closing months of the 2014-15 campaign.

But the 28-year-old has been making steady progress in his recovery, and Hughes is hopeful he will be able to field his skipper against the Blues.

"Ryan Shawcross is very much in my thoughts - he needs games now and needs to get back up to speed. He is chomping at the bit - he wants to be involved."

Shawcross' chances of a return were boosted by a thigh injury to fellow defender Geoff Cameron during Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Watford in the Premier League, and Hughes also confirmed there are doubts over Marc Muniesa and Bojan Krkic.

The Welshman added: "It looks like a grade one so maybe he [Cameron] will have a chance for the weekend.

"Marc Muniesa has a slight issue too, but we will give him 24 hours to come through that. Bojan has an issue with his toe, which is hampering him, but apart from that we are>

 

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Mourinho ta puluwan Chelsea goda ganna​

 

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Ranieri dismisses Vardy to Real Madrid reports

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has dismissed reports linking Jamie Vardy with Real Madrid , though admitted he expects bigger clubs to be interested in the England international.

Vardy has been the Foxes' standout performer in the Premier League this term, scoring 10 goals in as many games - including a current run of netting in seven consecutive matches - to help Ranieri's side to fifth in the table.

That form has seen Vardy linked with a move to Santiago Bernabeu, but Ranieri refuted the claims and stated the 28-year-old should continue his development at the King Power Stadium.

"No, he will stay with us. Nobody goes in January. Not Riyad [Mahrez], not him, not [Jeffrey] Schlupp, nobody," he told reporters.

"We don't sell him, he's very happy here and it's too early to speak about it.

"I hope he can continue to grow again. If he can continue this way it would be fantastic.

"We are waiting for the bigger clubs, but this is only speculation."

Ahead of Tuesday's trip to Hull City in the League Cup, Ranieri also confirmed he will continue to rotate his squad, with Vardy set to be rested at the KC Stadium.

"Jamie Vardy will come with us but he won't play," the Italian added.

"I have a very good group and they deserve to play. I change everybody more or less.

"I would like to go through, I know very well Hull City is a difficult match. Second in the [Championship], in 2014 they arrived in the FA Cup final.

"It will be a good match and we want to win but against [us] will be a very good>

 

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Valdes wants United exit, Premier League stay

Victor Valdes' agent says the goalkeeper is keen to remain in the Premier League as he prepares to leave Manchester United in January.

Valdes has not featured for United this season under Louis van Gaal, the Dutch manager even placing unproven youngster Sam Johnstone ahead of the World Cup winner.

That has led to speculation he will leave Old Trafford when the transfer window opens, something Valdes' agent Gines Carvajal confirmed in an interview with Sport.

And Carvajal also revealed staying in England was top of the 33-year-old's wish list, he said: "We are relying on Manchester United letting Victor go.

"The Premier League is very attractive and Valdes want to stay because he has adapted perfectly to England, but we are not closing the door to any options.

"There are still two months until the transfer window opens and there is nothing concrete, but the intention is to leave Manchester United."

 

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Valdes wants United exit, Premier League stay

meh thawath LVG ge fault 1kak​

 

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Smalling & Jones vow to become Man Utd's first-choice defenders

Chris Smalling and Phil Jones believe they can form a formidable defensive partnership for Manchester United after overcoming the issues that plagued their early years at Old Trafford.

The pair started together against both Everton and Manchester City as the Red Devils kept two clean sheets and picked up four points from two matches.

And Jones - who missed the opening weeks of the season with mild thrombosis - is confident a run in the side will see the partnership go from strength to strength.

"Every time I play with Chris, he's comfortable, he is a great leader, a great talker," he told reporters.

"We complement each other well. We haven't played that many games together but when we have we have done well so hopefully we can keep going and be strong.

"We haven't played together many times. We have been here for five years. At the start of my career here I was right-back, centre-back, centre-mid, and Chris as well.

"He has done great this season and hopefully we can keep carrying on."

Smalling echoed the thoughts of his team-mate, adding that the amount of time they have now spent together for club and country has helped them to gel.

"As a defence you want that back four to be as consistent as you can and Phil has come in last weekend," he said.

"We have not had too many injuries. The manager has been able to pick a solid side and I think that goes along with results as well. If you have that consistency, hopefully results will come.

"We have been together from the England Under-21s and being the same age, I think you do just click and get on. We train and go away with England on internationals together so we are very good friends."

 

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Smalling & Jones vow to become Man Utd's first-choice defenders

Smalling nam OKbut Jones nam madi​

 

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Barcelona blast Messi exit reports: They're embarrassing!

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu has responded angrily to reports suggesting Lionel Messi will leave the club, insisting that the reports are "embarrassing".

Argentine forward Messi, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury, has been linked with a Camp Nou exit, with newspaper reports suggesting that he is considering his options at Barca and would be interested in a move to the Premier League.

Bartomeu has has taken a dim view of the reports, though, and refuted any suggestions that the 28-year-old is looking for a way out. He told 8TV: "People who say Messi is leaving Barcelona should be embarrassed.

"Messi is recovering for the Madrid-Barcelona game. He is hoping to play El Clasico, but injuries have their process.

"Leo and his father said they don't imagine playing at another club. The relationship with the family is very good. We are not in the negotiation phase yet, when the time comes it will be presented.

"He has a contract for the next three seasons. Messi is very angry about the Spanish taxation. It is not normal, the information published on Leo Messi. If his tax advisers have made a mistake they have to pay like everyone else. Messi deserves respect as all do."
When asked about Neymar's contract situation, with the Liga champions set to offer a new deal to the former Santos star having released details of their €633 million mega budget, Bartomeu added: "On the renewal of Neymar, this is the season of his renewal, yes. But of course we try not to relay the negotiations and work quietly to be able to announce the extension of his contract."

Brazil international Neymar has been one of Barca's standout players this season, with the 23-year-old forward having scored five in his last four games, as well as assisting five of the Blaugrana's last six goals in all competitions.

 

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'Those who criticise Mourinho should show more respect!'

Former Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has launched a defence of Jose Mourinho, claiming those who criticise the Chelsea boss should show him more respect.

The Blues manager has been blamed for the Premier League champions' poor start to the season after they slipped to a fifth league defeat of the season at West Ham on Saturday.

And Granero, who now plays for Real Sociedad having spent three years working under Mourinho during his time at Santiago Bernabeu, took to Twitter to show his displeasure at those criticising the Portuguese.

"Those who criticise Mourinho or Rafael Nadal now should think about showing more respect," he wrote.

 

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Mourinho wa sack karaloth nam Chelsea la karana loku mistake 1kakTeam 1ka out peformance unata Mourinho ayeth Chelsea form 1kata ganiwi​